Parents warned over dangerous 'roundabout challenge' kids craze that can trigger 'red-outs' and STRO

Publish date: 2024-05-02

A TERRIFYING playground craze has sparked warnings to parents as children are at risk of dangerous "red-outs" and even STROKES.

The "roundabout challenge" has kids sit in the middle of a roundabout as they're spun at very high speeds.

Mopeds are also sometimes used to increase the speed – leading to extreme negative g-forces which can cause "red-outs", where blood is forced into the head.

This may result in reddened vision and a headache, as well as potentially leading to retinal damage and even a stroke.

Kids all around the country have reportedly been injured taking part in the roundabout challenge, with a child in Lincolnshire hospitalised after taking part last September.

Tyler Broome, 11, suffered injuries "usually only seen in fighter pilots" after recreating a YouTube video called the "Roundabout of Death".

He collapsed before being rushed to A&E after his eyes began to swell up.

There were lots of little red spots around his eyes that go up onto his forehead and the top of his head.

PCSO Anita Ashton

Now police say a young boy from Lowton in Wigan has been hurt doing the same thing, the Manchester Evening News reports.

He was at the playground on Braithwaite Road when he was asked to join in the "game" by some older children, according to officers.

The boy was left with red spots around his eyes which doctors said were caused by the pressure from the high-speed spinning.

Thankfully his case is said to be less severe than Tyler's — but the incident caused a warning letter to be sent by PCSO Anita Ahston to schools.

It read: "There is now a new craze with teenagers known as the roundabout challenge.

"One of the primary schools in Lowton have had a pupil who has come into his class and told his teachers he had a headache, his head hurt and spots on his face.

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"There were lots of little red spots around his eyes that go up onto his forehead and the top of his head."

The letter went on to say that the boy had been spun on a roundabout at a local park by a group of  older children who wouldn't let him get off.

It also urged parents and schools to be vigilant for symptoms and warn children about the potential risk of stroke.

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